Independent Films

            If you’re anything like me, you have a great appreciation for big blockbuster hits with million dollar budgets which produce spectacular special effects. However, a lower budget, well thought out film, can give an individual deep insights and even have the power to change one's perspective on important issues.The rise of these films, known as indie films, or independent films, is interesting to observe in order to gain a better understanding of how these movies became successful and well known through the decreasing cost of portable technology, reliance on real- life situations, and film festivals. Although independent films have faced difficult challenges within recent years, the high quality themes and storylines have allowed them to still find a niche of success.  

            Some real works of art have come from independent films such as The Wrestler and Black Swan. Independent filmmakers are able to stay in business because of the cheaper costs of digital cameras and computer editing. This means that filmmakers no longer have to purchase extremely expensive filming equipment. Additionally, as Richard Campbell states, “They make movies inexpensively, relying on real-life situations, stage actors and nonactors, crews made up of friends and students, and local nonstudio settings” (256). The realism of certain independent films appeals to many people, as well as the strong sense of attention to detail put toward story line and character development. Certain indie movies, such as the ones listed above, do not depend on huge studio systems to produce their movies but instead, do it on their own.

From: http://www.thefloralfedora.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/natalie-portman-in-black-swan_083878.jpg
Black Swan, a successful independently made film.

            Even though indie movies are produced without the help of Hollywood studios, these massive studios are usually essential in helping these movies be distributed and seen by large audiences. This is done through major film festivals such as the Sundance Film Festival (held every January), the Toronto Film Festival, and New York’s Tribeca Film Festival. These film festivals show independent films, and therefore provide opportunities for them to be picked up and distributed by major studios like Warner Bros., 20^th Century Fox, and Paramount. According to Campbell, Films such as Little Miss Sunshine (2006), 500 Days of Summer (2009), Our Idiot Brother (2011), and Beasts of the Southern Wild (2012) were able to generate industry buzz and garner major studio distribution deals through Sundance screenings, becoming star vehicles for several directors and actors” (256). Additional methods such as smaller film festivals and art-house theatres are mostly used to generate buzz about independent movies usually before they premier at the major festivals like Sundance. Campbell goes on to describe the powerful impact of film festivals as he states, “Some major studios even purchased successful independent film companies (Disney’s purchase of Miramax) or have developed in-house indie divisions (Sony’s Sony Pictures Classics) to specifically handle the development and distribution of indies” (256).  Although these major studios often times are what brings fame to indie movies, there are some exceptions, one being the horror film The Blair Witch Project. This movie did premiere at the Sundance Film Festival. However, it was not distributed by a major movie company, but instead an independent one known as Artisan Entertainment (Reuters, 2000). This seems to be a case in which buzz about the movie was primarily spread through word of mouth. Interestingly, Artisan Entertainment is no longer a company, as it went public in 2000.

From: http://www.rlemay.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/official_laurels.png
The logo for the Sundance Film Festival.

From: http://www.galactic-squid.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/500-days.jpg
A still from the movie, 500 Days of Summer.

            Even though indie movies have experienced much success, they have unfortunately faced recent challenges. Miramax, which was a leading independent film company, was sold by Disney. Additionally, Campbell states, “Viacom folded its independent unit, Paramount Vantage, into its main studio; and Time Warner closed its Warner Independent and Picturehouse in-house indie divisions” (Campbell 256). These problems are due to the challenges our economy has faced within the last several years, and has caused indie filmmakers to have to rely more on methods like Netflix.

            It is important to have both an understanding and appreciation for independent films. The observance and further research of some of these films helps a person to understand the challenges faced by independent films as well as how cheaper digital technology, a real- life story line, and film festivals have contributed to the success of independent films. Independent films have truly shaped the way movies are made and on a more personal note, some of them have really shaped my views. Independent films are important because they reach people on a deeper level as well as give brilliant film makers a chance to share their ideas with the world.

From: http://images.forbes.com/media/lists/companies/netflix_200x200.jpg
The logo for Netflix, a streaming system which allows many Independent films to be viewed.

 

Works Cited

Reuters. (2000). Artisan Entertainment Plans Public Offering. Latimes.com, Retrieved October 30, 2014.